What is social media?
Social media is media for social interaction, using highly accessible and scalable communication techniques. Examples include Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, YouTube, Instagram, Blogs etc.

This policy also includes match reports and other articles posted onto the club websites or sent to the press. Oxford Hockey Club is actively using Facebook and Twitter among other platforms.

Why do we engage in social media?
Oxford Hockey Club is using social media to engage and connect with our members, recruits,
parents, the Oxford community, and the wider hockey community. Social media provides powerful communication opportunities. Relationships grow with personal, regular, and honest communication, therefore, social media provides us with powerful tools to build relationships.

Oxford Hockey Club Policies

A dedicated club member must be the owner of the account.
Other members can be made administrators on an account and may post content but the account must ultimately be "owned" one accountable member.
Do not post anything that is confidential, sensitive, or private.
Follow all applicable laws including libel, defamation and privacy.
Follow all Social Media site rules. Here are the terms for Facebook and Twitter.
Never openly criticise, show disrespect or abuse any team, official or any person associated with the club. Contact the club chair or welfare officers in the first instance if you want to make a complaint.
Respect copyright and fair use.

Best Practices

Think twice before posting. If you wouldn't want your work colleagues, parents, family members or future employer to see your post, don't post it.
Remember that the club’s Facebook page isn't yours, but that of an organisation with responsibilities and a profile in the community.
Be accurate. If you make a mistake, own up and correct it quickly.
Be respectful. Be positive. Treat others the way you would like to be treated.
Be honest. Be transparent. Always tell the truth.
Remember many different audiences will see your posts including the other members, the Oxford public, children, parents, past players, other teams etc.
Be professional and polite.
Share the love! Link back to the Oxford Hockey Club Twitter page or Facebook page where possible, or use @OxfordHC (or @oxhcjuniors) in your tweets!
Remember that the internet is permanent. Even if you delete something, it’s still out there somewhere. Google has a long memory!
Avoid topics that may be considered objectionable or inflammatory, like politics and religion.
Don't post anything that you wouldn’t say openly in a workplace such as comments about drug use, profanity, off-colour or sexual humour, ethnic slurs or personal insults.
Be in the right state of mind when you make a post. Don't post when you're angry, upset, or your judgment is impaired in any way. Remember, the internet is permanent!

Posting on your personal accounts

If you post anything regarding Oxford Hockey Club from your personal social media account, be transparent and aware that what you say could have implications on the club as a whole.
If you post an opinion about Oxford Hockey Club or organisations linked to OHC on your own accounts, please make it clear that your post represents your OWN view and does not represent OHC.
Understand and use the privacy settings! Facebook and Twitter
You should assume anything you post on your personal account could be read by opposing teams, recruits, other club members etc.

Advice for Under 18s:

Do not ask your club coach or teacher to be your social networking site friend – they will refuse as that would breach good practice.
Use the internet positively and do not place yourself at risk. Have a look at www.ceop.gov.uk for some useful tips.
Consider who you are inviting to be your friend and follow the good advice of the social networking sites to ensure you are talking to the person you believe you are talking to.
Always remember that anything you say including photos, pictures and video clips posted on your site may be shared with people other than those for whom it was intended.
Never post or send any photographs, videos or make comments that may be hurtful, untrue and upsetting and you may regret sharing later on. They may be used by other people in a way you did not intend or want.
Always be aware that social networking sites are a method of communication like letter writing and the spoken word. They are bound by the same laws and rules. Such technology is instant and this allows you as the user to react in the ‘heat of the moment’, where in the past you would have been required to write a letter which would have taken time and allowed for you to think again before sending. So never place a comment on the internet that you would not put in writing or say to the individual concerned as to do so may not only breach Oxford Hockey Club’s policy but also the law.

BBC Webwise
For more information about the safe use of social media and the internet please see below.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/webwise/0/

Acceptance of this Policy is a requirement and condition of an individual's membership. Breach of the Social Media Policy or Best Practices may lead to disciplinary action by the Club.

September 2017